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The Israeli Wizarding community is run by the Sanhedrin - their version of Great Britain's Wizengamot. And the school, named Ein Sof after the biblical reference to the essence of the Creator as referenced in the Jewish religion, and some of the principles of the other religions "of the Book." It translates to 'Without End' - epitomized in the hallway that leads to every dorm and classroom and area of the school and never, ever seems to end. There is always more space in Ein Sof as it reaches out into the sands.

When it was founded, the nation of Israel was in its days of glory. Solomon was king, and his reach touched everywhere from Egypt to Europe. Because of that, the students often come in from surrounding countries, and their faith influences the practices of the school. The common bond of magic seems to draw them together, allowing them to form a cohesive 'tribe' inside the walls of the school that only seems to last for those few years. It is set up much like the schools of the nation for religious learning, with several obvious exceptions. Women are allowed to attend, and have always been, and there is a mentor system that stays within house lines, for the most part. Younger children are tutored outside of class by their elder housemates, helping to foster the sense of commonality and shared experience.

Students are sorted into Houses throughout the opening feast. They begin at the central table, then, throughout the meal, are called individually to a room outside the Hall. The Headmaster, acting in his role as the High Priest of the school, ushers them toward a curtained-off room. Each student enters alone. No one has ever explained what happens inside that room, but when the students emerge, their clothing has been transfigured to that of their new House, and they slip unobtrusively into seats at the House Tables to finish their meals. When the Headmaster has finished his duties as Priest, he blows a shofar, and everyone celebrates the Sorting. The meal finishes, and the year begins.

The Four Houses

Since this school has such overt ties to the Jewish faith, as well as to the other faiths in the region, each House showcases a trait of the Most High. It can tie into the house member's magic, but students with any kind of magic may end up in each house. It can also draw from a student's personality type, though it doesn't pull from that either. There is a deep mystery to the sorting, and no one has ever explained how they were chosen.

Shin

The members of Shin House are usually balanced individuals, but have a strong tie to an agenda. This is the house without a focus on a single attribute. Shin itself is the Three-Pronged Flame. Many members of Shin come from Pure Blood families because their beliefs in magic and faith are so strong they enter the school with strong agendas. Many Shin members have gone on to serve the Sanhedrin and the upper levels of the IDF, though this may be related more to their backgrounds than the actual House affiliation.

Mayim

The members of House Mayim are those who embrace the mysteries. Mayim means water. They focus on things which are only known through mysterious means. Their primary attribute is their soul, the one which is inexplicable. Many seers and prophets are sorted into this house, because they are willing to embrace and listen to the voices in the silence. Because of their strange focus, Mayim children are simultaneously revered and ostracized. When a student wants an omen, he may go to a Mayim, but when he disregards the message or the fledgling prophet misunderstands, he will probably never speak to that child again, unless absolutely necessary. In the political realm, Mayim are prognosticators and dreamers. Many big 'Plans' have been approved and then later found to be the brainchild of a Mayim.

Rua'ch

The members of House Rua'ch are those who follow the lines. Ru'ach means Wind. Their primary attribute is the Spirit, or the mind. Rua'ch also carries the connotation of a clearly laid path, so these students are the logicians and thinkers. Many Rua'ch end up as teachers, able assistants, accountants, or successful businessmen. In the political arena, no matter their position, the Ru'ach are the bean counters, the ones questioning where the funding will come from, the ones who ensure that the support and resources are available for the grand plans.

Adamah

The members of House Adamah are the doers. They are the active ones. Their primary attribute is the Body. Adamah means Earth, and as Adam was drawn from the earth and began moving, so the students in this House seem to start their days early, and end them late, always doing. There is also a fascination with the physical. Many Adamah are intense athletes, or in some of the girls' cases, interested in fashion and style somewhat earlier than their peers. True, many students from House Adamah will serve long years in the IDF as enlisted men, but they do not all fall under this banner. Football players, Ministers of Health, Fitness advocates, etc are all often former members of Adamah. They are willing to do the hard work, though they're not above getting a crew together and getting it done in a single setting where many of their schoolmates will spend long periods of time planning how to do it more efficiently (and actually take longer).